receiving end

American  

noun

1. the position in which one is subject to some kind of action or effect, especially an unpleasant one (usually used in the phrase at oron the receiving end ).

   The corporation is on the receiving end of many complaints about its advertising.

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Etymology

Origin of receiving end

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

“When we learn critical thinking with and from other humans, we cannot easily forget that humans are on the receiving end of the ideas we communicate.”

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

All types of companies are on the receiving end of that price hike and may need to pass on the costs to consumers, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

What’s suffering as a result of these attacks: the ability of ordinary people who were on the receiving end of crackdowns to get good representation to fight back.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

"Not just for John or those who have the tics, but for those who are on the receiving end of it, because obviously it's involuntary."

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Stunned disbelief was the only way to describe her reaction to the sight of Cap on the receiving end of all that love.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman